(Newser)
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The culture wars are heating up again, thanks to Sarah Palin’s staunch opposition to abortion and demonstrated fondness for firearms, Politico reports. Social issues have been largely absent from the campaign so far, with both candidates preferring to focus on the war and the economy. But Palin’s own pregnancy (and her daughter’s) are forcing McCain and Obama to address the issues head on.

Palin’s hardcore conservative credentials, particularly with regard to abortion, gun rights, and creationism, will certainly spark debate among culture warriors. But don’t give her all the credit. The Obama camp sent out a radio ad criticizing McCain’s anti-abortion stance before he announced his pick, ABC reports. Last year, the National Review declared the wars dead; it seems they were just simmering under the surface.